Uruguayan Navy Ship Takes Venezuelan Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

By The Associated Press

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay: Venezuelan scientists and military officers set out on their country's first expedition to Antarctica, leaving Friday aboard an Uruguayan naval research ship.

The 45-day expedition reflects warm ties between two leftist governments, although Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez has been criticized by political opponents for allowing Venezuelans aboard the Uruguayan vessel. Uruguay's congress, dominated by the president's supporters, approved the mission. And Vazquez's aides called the trip a gesture of friendship.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez hailed 11 scientists and five naval officers as "pioneers" when he announced the expedition earlier this month. The ship, the Oyarvide, left the capital city of Montevideo without public ceremony on its 2,300-mile journey to Uruguay's Antarctic base. Chavez hopes to establish a research station on the continent too.

The scientists will study a range of subjects, including the effects of climate change in Antarctica. Chavez often laments global warming, blaming U.S. energy consumption as one of the main causes. Venezuela is the fourth largest exporter of crude oil to the U.S. Antarctica, governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, is designated a natural scientific reserve. Some 28 nations operate research stations on the continent and nearby islands, but no single nation controls any part of the territory.

To be continue in other article...

(Jakarta, Kamis 21 February 2008, 07.39 pagi)

Re-publish by Jacob Paradox from link (www.routers.com),(www.iht.com), (www.routers.com), (www.nytimes.com)